Global Political Trends Center

Istanbul Kltr University

POLICY BRIEF
September 2014 | GPoT PB 40
TURKEY-EGYPT RELATIONS:
INCENTIVES TO NORMALIZE
BY OMAR SHEIRA

The 2011 Arab uprisings marked a turning point for Turkeys foreign policy toward the Middle East.
When the protests erupted in Egypt, former Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoan became the first leader
to voice support for former President Hosni Mubaraks immediate resignation. However, the months
following Morsis removal marked an historic deterioration of bilateral ties: Egypts ambassador to
Turkey was withdrawn; Turkeys ambassador to Egypt was expelled; both countries declared each others
ambassador persona non grata; and Egypt downgraded its relations with Turkey to charg daffaires.
This policy brief advocates renewing efforts to revive bilateral diplomatic relations between Turkey and
Egypt, both countries of strategic importance. Further, it explores the geopolitical, security, economic, and
capacity-building incentives which can facilitate the normalization of Turkish-Egyptian relations.
Keywords: Turkey, Egypt, normalization.

INTRODUCTION

he 2011 Arab uprisings marked a turning point for Turkeys foreign policy toward the Middle
East. Late economist and diplomat Mohamad Chatah (Carnegie-MEC, 2011) noted that
during this period, Turkey [moved] from a zero-problem platform to a coordinated regional
system to strengthen its role vis--vis the region. Indeed, when the protests erupted in Egypt, former
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoan became the first leader to voice support for former President
Hosni Mubaraks immediate resignation (Edelman, Cornell, Lobel, and Makovsky, 2013).
Upon the Muslim Brotherhoods ascension to power, Erdoan and former Foreign Minister Ahmet
Davutolu visited Egypton separate occasionsto show an unprecedented level of support for the
countrys new transition to democracy. During Erdoans visit, he notably remarked in an interview on
Egyptian television that secular reform is necessary to advance Egypts social progress and economic
development (Flautre, 2011). Thus, Turkey was presented as an Islamic democratic model which can

GPoT PB No. 40 | 1

GLOBAL POLITICAL TRENDS CENTER

ABSTRACT

SHEIRA | INCENTIVES TO NORMALIZE

help guide Egypt through its turbulent transition.

improved since the Mubarak era. Renewing

This rhetoric was reciprocated by former

efforts to revive bilateral diplomatic relations

President Mohamed Morsis speech in Turkey

could offer great regional gains to Turkey and

on the need of Turkish-Egyptian cooperation

Egypt, as they are both countries of considerable

during the post-Arab Spring era. Accordingly,

strategic

bilateral relations blossomed with the signing

policy brief explores the geopolitical, security,

of several agreements and the conclusion of a

trade, and capacity-building incentives to the

$2 billion aid package, indicating good will and

normalization of Turkish-Egyptian relations.

strategic cooperation between the two countries

(Yezdani, 2011).

The

improved

importance

(Meral,

2014).

This

THE GEOPOLITICAL INCENTIVE

Turkish-Egyptian

relations came to a sudden halt upon the

Turkey

unexpected, yet popular, ouster of Morsi by the

Turkey occupies a geographic position of strong

Supreme Council of Armed Forces SCAF on

July 3, 2013. Erdoan immediately described
Morsis overthrowal as an interruption to the
democratic transition and stated that the Turkish
government cannot accept a regime that has
undertaken a military coup (Gulhane, 2014).
The months following Morsis removal marked
an historic deterioration of bilateral ties1: Egypts
ambassador to Turkey was withdrawn; Turkeys
ambassador to Egypt was expelled; both
countries declared each others ambassador
persona non grata; and Egypt downgraded
its relations with Turkey to charg daffaires
(Fahim and Arsu, 2013). These developments
were further amplified by public outbursts in
both countries. In Turkey, Morsis ouster was
perceived as a reflection of Turkeys past coups;
and in Egypt, the Turkish response was seen as
firm support of an Islamist rule, much different
from Turkeys own secular model (Meral, 2014).

Though turbulent over the past year,

Turkish-Egyptian relations have continuously

1 A study conducted by TESEV shows the erosion
of affinity for Turkey from 84 percent in 2012 to
38 percent in 2013 (Akgn, M. and Gndoar S.S.,
2014, p. 5.)

regional influence; one which historically aided

its expansion as the Ottoman Empire. It is a
predominant Eurasian country, located in the
Middle East and Caspian Basin, and bordered
by European, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Black
Sea countries. Turkeys strategic placement
makes it an influential political, economic, and
cultural power, with the potential of serving as
a development initiator, regional peace hub, and
a facilitator for the progressive expansion of
democratic values.
Egypt
Likewise, Egypts strategically-unique, geographic
position has played a central role in global
politics. Located in North Africa, watered by
the Nile River, and positioned at the center
of African, Arab, and Islamic circles, Egypt
necessitates satisfactory diplomatic relations
with a number of countries in the international
arena, to maintain its deep geopolitical,
economic, and cultural importance (Nasser,
1952, p. 51). In addition, its Sinai landbridge
connects Africa to Asia. As described by Alfred
MilnerUnder-secretary

of

Finance

from

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1889-1892Egypt resembles the very center of

the only guarantor of successful negotiations

the world, the great highway of nations, which

(Al-Mesryoon, 2014).

several international economies rely on, for

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

direct and transit trade (Milner, 1899).

announced that indirect negotiations between

Israeli and Palestinian officials are scheduled

Incentive to normalize

to start in September, to promote mutual

Increased collaboration between Turkey and

understanding on a range of issues and thereby,

Egypt can boost the benefits derived from the

countries geographic locations, whether they
may be security-, economic-, or politicallyrelated. The combined area of influence covered
by both countries is vast and hence, presents
the potential for Turkey and Egypt to exercise
their roles as regional leaders and facilitators of

strengthen the permanence of the current

ceasefire

(Agence

France-Presse,

2014b).

Egyptian-led efforts in the Israeli-Palestinian

conflict can protect the lives of civilians and
prevent further bloodshed, of both parties to
the conflict; pave the way for humanitarian
relief and aid through collaborative border

regional stability, development, and democracy.

control; assist in the logistics of reconstruction;

THE DIPLOMACY INCENTIVE

Palestinian territories; and contribute to the

Egypt

goals which Turkey has also aimed to achieve2;

After signing the Camp David accords and the

Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty, Egypt and Israel have
both maintained peace and cordial relations
for over three decades, despite the changes in
administration. During the recent Gaza War
which lasted for 51 days and claimed the lives
of 2,130 Palestinians, mostly civilians; and 68
Israelis, 64 of which are soldiers (Agence FrancePresse, 2014c)President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi
spoke at length with Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu in attempts to mediate a ceasefire.
Eventually, the Egyptian authorities did indeed
facilitate a comprehensive ceasefire, which
resurrected Egypts historical, regional, cultural,
and mediatory role in the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict and solidified it as a reconciliatory
channel, accessible by Arab countries, the U.S.,
and Israel. Mousa Abu Marzouk, Senior Member
of Hamas, confirmed this, stating that, Egypt is

help in post-conflict economic planning in

Israeli-Palestinian peace process. These are all
therefore, a positive first step would be to
harmonize and coordinate the efforts aiming to
realize them, with the relevant authorities.

THE SECURITY INCENTIVE

Post-Arab Spring, and more than ever before,
the Middle East has become a very volatile
region that is undergoing several geographic,
political, and economic changes.
Turkey
The Syrian War is a clear example of the critical
changes, which have spilled over into Turkey,
Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan. For Turkey, it has
resulted in the influx of approximately 1.6
2
E.g., in July, 2004, Turkey signed a Free
Trade Agreement with the Palestine Liberation
Organization to eliminate tariff and non-tariff
barriers in trade (Ministry of Economy, 2012).

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million Syrian refugees. According to Turkish

the ouster of former President Morsi, several

officials, the humanitarian crisis has cost the

Islamist movements, once again, returned to

country over $3.5 billion, and is still ongoing

their underground statuses. Subsequently, a

(Williams, 2014). It is accompanied by the

surge of terrorist attacks and bombings erupted,

challenges of effectively integrating the refugees

continuously targeting security forces, officials,

into Turkish society and raising structured

and government buildings (Kortam, 2014) in

donations through the international community;

Cairo, Mansoura, Sharqiya, Suez, and the Sinai

tasks that have not yet been achieved (Sak, 2014).

(Gold, 2014b). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

In further exacerbation of the situation,

estimates the death toll of terrorist attacks since

the Islamist militant group Islamic State of Iraq

Morsis ouster at 252 police and 187 military

and Syria ISIS proclaimed its own caliphate

personnel [] along with 57 civilians. (Agence

in June after capturing wide stretches of land

France-Presse, 2014a).

in both Iraq and Syria, thereby heightening

sectarian conflict, spreading extremist ideology,

ideologies gaining momentum in the BMENA

and overall, threatening regional stability in

region, Egypt is similarly confronting an

the Broader Middle East and North Africa

external terrorist threat from both eastern

BMENA. Since Turkey shares borders with

and western borders, waged by several jihadist

both Iraq and Syria, it has been a strategically

groupsincluding ISISwho vow to hinder

vital supply route and entry point [for ISIS] to

all efforts aimed at achieving political and

wage their war (Faiola and Mekhennet, 2014).

economic stability.

As the new neighbor, ISIS has already engaged

in border shootouts, cutoff trade routes, and
taken 80 Turkish hostages, which have only
recently been released. The crisis in Iraq can
soon compound the existing humanitarian crisis
if a significant number of Iraqis flee to Turkey
for asylum. Furthermore, it risks interrupting
billions worth of trade and energy transport and
hence, negatively impact the Turkish economic
growth (elik and elik, 2012).
Egypt

With radical Islamist movements and

Gen. Rifat Abd al-Hamid, an expert

in Forensics and Criminology, told
As-Safir,

The

conditions

on

the

Libyan border pose challenges that

must be seriously taken into account.
They represent an imminent danger
to Egyptian national security on the
levels of law enforcement, politics,
diplomacy and the economy. There are
terrorist cells located in eastern Libya
that possess weapons and materiel left
over from the Gadhafi regimes arsenal,

Having been swept by major uprisings and

allowing them to easily disrupt Egyptian

turmoil since 2011, the situation in Egypt

national security. This is as dangerous

starkly contrasts that of Turkey. Following

as the situation on the eastern border

3 Isis members are advancing towards the Turkish

border in north-west Syria, attempting to secure a
valuable supply line that has been the lifeblood of
their growth so far (Chulov, M., 2014).

(Bassiouni, 2014).

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For Egypts eastern border, Major

Karkern Kurdistan PKK in the eastern and

General Mohamed Faraj Al-Shahat set an

southeastern regions of the country (Rodoplu,

emergency plan in cooperation with the

Arnold and Ersoy, 2004). Similarly, Egypt has

Ministry of Interior, and National Guard to lead

the largest military force in the Middle East

an orchestrated counter-terrorism campaign

and has, since 1981, targeted budding terrorist

against extremist groups in south Sinai, which

groups which aim to threaten its national

aims to weaken national security and the

security (UNGA, 2009).

economy.

Various operations are currently

The

final

element

is

diplomatic

being executed by the government to end the

influence; on one hand, Turkeys ambitious,

arbitrary detonation of improvised explosive

hands-on

devices and firing of rockets in the Peninsula.5

overlooked

approach
the

in

the

dynamism

Middle
of

East

regional

developments and complex between several

Incentive to normalize

existing and emerging state and non-state

There are three key elements which make both

actors. As a result, its relations with neighboring

Turkey and Egypt key players in any initiative

aimed at establishing regional security in
the Middle East. First, as aforementioned,
geopolitics; this factor has recently revealed
its propensity to become a major disadvantage
if not well-utilized. Turkey and Egypts close
proximity to crisis-stricken countries has
evidently put them in direct confrontation with
extremist groups on their borders.

Second, counter-terrorism capabilities;

fortunately,

both

countries

possess

well-

equipped, sizeable forces, that have devised

elaborate counter-terrorism strategies involving
military, intelligence, law enforcement, and
diplomatic efforts. For instance, Turkey has the
second-largest army among NATO countries
and has, since 1984,

fought the Partiya

4 The [Sinai] pipline has been attacked more

than 10 times since Mubaraks overthrow []
(Saleh, Y. and Dziadosz, A. Collett-White, M.
(Ed.), 2013).
5 [D]uring Egypts recent political turmoil [...]
groups such as al-Jihad, [Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis]
and Gamaa al-Islamiyya transitioned from taking
on the state to taking on the economic pillars of
the state: namely tourism (Gold, Z., 2014a).

countries constantly deteriorated following

the uprisings. A more balanced execution of
the zero problems foreign policy is therefore
necessary for Turkey to ease tensions and revive
its pre-Arab Spring influential status among
Middle Eastern countries. On the other hand,
despite some turbulence, Egypt has maintained
its diplomatic influence and amicable relations
within the region.

Turkey and Egypt can utilize

their positions to jointly create a
regional security umbrella.

In addressing the persistent terrorist

threat afflicting the BMENA region, Turkey

and Egypt can utilize their positions to
jointly create a regional security umbrella. A
consistent counter-terrorism strategy involving
collaboration of military, intelligence, law
enforcement, and diplomatic sectors can
benefit the region and help restore its stability
through synchronized collective action. The
joint initiative can involve building partner
capacity;

developing

professional

security

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forces; supporting internal defense; and leading

special operations (Jones, 2014).

gateway and energy bridge by transporting large

Turkey also gained importance as a

volumes of hydrocarbon resources from the

THE ECONOMIC INCENTIVE

Caspian, Central Asia, the Gulf, and the Eastern

Mediterranean to the European Community

Turkey

(Roberts, 2004). Having several international

Turkeys transformation was made possible

and domestic pipelines7

through the Justice and Development Partys

AKP

political

and

economic

reforms

(Kanani, 2014) which brought about stability

and credibility, respectively. Since 2002, the
government directed its economic, fiscal,
and monetary policies towards increasing
national capital expenditures, foreign direct
investment, trade, and business partners.
This allowed both domestic and international

in addition to the

Bosphorous and the Dardanelles Straitswhich

transport an average 3 million barrels per day
Turkey is one of the worlds most congested
transit points for fuel (Saglam, 2014). Its pivotal
role as a transit hub is expected to grow within
the coming years due to the country being
surrounded by 70 percent of the worlds proven
oil and natural gas reserves (Saglam, 2014).

business communities to efficiently plan long-

Egypt

term commercial activities within a more

Egypt is one of the most developed and

predictable environment (Hakura, 2013, p.

diversified economies in the MENA region with

2). Gradually, Turkey was able to shift from

considerable potential for expansion (UNECA,

traditional agriculture and informality to higher

2013). Despite the political turmoil following

productivity and modern industries (Hakura,

the uprisings, the Egyptian economy maintained

2013, p. 3), thus becoming the worlds 19th

activity in most sectors. This is evidenced by

largest economy, an important European Union

the recent, though shrunken, 1.4% growth

EU trade partner, and a center of economic

from 2013 until 2014 (Trading Economics,

development.

2014). Additionally, there are ongoing efforts

to stimulate economic growth through more

6
Building partner capacity and supporting
foreign internal defense [] includes a variety
of activities like security force assistance and
developing professional, capable, and sustainable
foreign security forces. Special operations forces
are trained [] to understand local culture, society,
language, economy, history, and politics. [] [They]
can be critical in precision targeting of terrorist
groups and their financial, logistical, and political
support networks. They can orchestrate covert raids
to capture or otherwise target terrorists, seize their
supplies, and undermine their finances; conduct
air strikes [] oversee psychological operations
to undermine terrorist support; [and] collect and
analyze intelligence about terrorist groups []
(Jones, S.G., 2014).

effective developmental, monetary, and fiscal

policies. Minister of Planning and International
7
International: Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline
BTC (Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli-Georgia to Turkey);
Blue Stream Pipeline (Russia-Bulgaria to Turkey);
Kirkuk-Ceyhan Pipeline (Iraq to Turkey);
Tabriz-Dogubayazit Pipeline (Iran to Turkey);
Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline TANAP
(Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey-Greece-Europe);
Interconnector
Turkey-Greece-Italy
Pipeline
ITGI (Turkey to Greece-Italy). Domestic:
Ceyhan-Kirikkale Pipeline (Ceyhan to Kirikkale);
Batman-Dortyol Pipeline (Batman to Dortyol)
(Saglam, B., 2014).

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Cooperation Dr. Ashraf el-Araby confirmed a

Incentive to normalize

current thorough revision of investment and

Cooperation

labor laws to promote foreign direct investment

and facilitate the establishment of small and
medium enterprises in Egypt (Al-Nahar, 2014).

With regards to transit trade, Egypts Suez

Canalcompleted in 1869directly links two

prime waterways, the Mediterranean Sea and the
Indian Ocean, via the Red Sea (McGregor, 2006,
p. 2). As a gatekeeper between Africa, Asia, and
Europe, Egypt plays major roles in global trade
and economic stability. Today, approximately 8

between

Turkey

and

Egypt

presents the opportunity to strengthen their

roles as regional leaders. On the policy planning
level, Egypt can benefit from Turkeys economic
policies, which have focused on increasing the
predictability of fiscal policy, effectiveness of
monetary policy, and security of the financial
system (Gnen, Sahinz and Tuncel, 2010).
Over the past decade, Turkey has:

improved competitiveness, employment,

percent of the worlds container ships transport

human and social development, the

tons of goods through the Suez Canal, at a lower

efficient

toll than the Panama Canal (Cole, 2013). This

provision

of

high-quality

public services, and energy security

figure is expected to hike upon the completion

and efficiency, with an emphasis on

of the recently announced parallel channel to

the reduction of regional disparities

the Canal, scheduled to be completed in 20158

(Ibrahim, 2013, p. 34).

(Farid, 2014). It is estimated that over 2 million

barrels of petroleum pass through Egypt, either

through the Canal or by means of pipelines

that the Turkish government is continually

(Cole, 2013). In 2010, Turkey, France, and the

improving

United States received nearly 25 percent of their

Sabah, 2014). This can provide Egypt with a

liquefied natural gas imports through the Suez

reference for long-term planning of sustainable

Canal, rendering it a focal point for stability

development projects, directed towards raising

of fuel prices and transportation (Cole, 2013).

the overall development and living standards.

Accordingly, any potential geopolitical shock

risking the operation of Egypts Suez Canal

currently retains its position as one of Turkeys

can have major consequences for international

largest trading partners in Africa. In 2012,

trade, oil production, and prices. For example,

Turkish businessmen invested $2 billion in

when the protests first erupted on January 25,

Egypt in over 440 companies and 60,000

2011 in Egypt, causing oil prices to spike at their

employees, most of which are in the industrial

highest prices since 2008 (Schuman, 2011).

sector (Egypt Independent, 2012). Furthermore,

8 The Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority,

Mohab Memish claims, the new canal will be
established to increase the absorptive capacity of
the Suez Canal to 97 passing ships per day, up from
the current rate of 49. [...] the project would see
canal revenues increase by 259%, up from current
annual revenues of $5 billion (Farid, D., 2014).

Prime Minister Davutolu affirmed

On

its

the

economic

policies

commercial

level,

(Daily

Egypt

Turkish exports to Egypt in the same year

totaled $3.6 billion (TUiK, 2014) and the
average annual trade volume stood at $4.5 to $5
billion (Todays Zaman, 2014a), indicating that
reorienting economic activity in both countries
can maximize the existing economic potential.

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Reorienting economic activity in

both countries can maximize the
existing economic potential.

necessary to produce power (Butler, 2014).

Consulting with Turkey, the United Nations,
and other international renewable energy
expertsas Turkey has doneEgypt can plan
many large-scale renewable energy projects, to

Through one another, Turkey and Egypt could

improve energy security, agriculture, irrigation,

benefit from accessing new, less traditional

education, and health systems.

markets, thereby improving their integration

with the global market. Vice President of Cairos
Chamber of Commerce CCC, Ibrahim elAraby confirmed that, increased commercial

THE DEMOCRATICGOVERNANCE INCENTIVE

activities in Egypt directly impact and reflect

Turkey

the rate of trade in the entire Arab region

On

(Akhbarak, 2014).

Davutolu presented the aspirations of Turkeys

In the energy sectordue to the rapid

62nd government to the Parliament. The

social and economic developmentTurkey has

newly-formed government has, inter alia,

sought more sources to address its increasing

prioritized democratic reforms, human-oriented

demand for energy. Sustainable development

development, and public welfare. Turkeys new

is dependent on the sustainable supply and

roadmap aspires to achieve full EU membership

security of energy resources. Among the recent

by 2023, also its 100th anniversary (Todays

projects considered is a gas pipeline project

Zaman, 2014b). Davutolus announcement

aiming to transport natural gas from Egypt

publicized the objectives for drafting a new

to Turkey through Syria and Jordan (Saglam,

constitution, based on rights, freedoms, and the

2014). The initiation of this project can help

rule of law; bringing people into social life and

diversify Turkeys fuel sources and further

strengthening social legitimacy; paving the way

consolidate Egypts role as a transit hub.

for democratic policies; meeting faith and culture-

based demands; and increasing accountability,

In the renewable energy sector, Turkey

September

1,

2014,

Prime

Minister

power

transparency, and anti-corruption policies (Daily

schemes, which can, upon further development,

Sabah, 2014). He emphasized that in the past

meet 33 to 46 percent of the countrys electric

decade, Turkey rose from the 77th position to the

energy demands by 2020 (Yksek, Kankal,

50th on Transparency Internationals Corruption

Kmrc, nsoy, and Akpinar, 2007, p. 731).

Perception Index (Todays Zaman, 2014b).

Contrastingly, Egypts energy dilemma has

intensified during the past three years and

global transit hub and economic power, Turkey

more so following the aggressive, yet necessary,

has also heightened its involvement with

subsidy cuts announced by President el-Sisi.

international organizations among which are,

Today, Egypt faces an immense energy crisis,

the North Atlantic Treaty Organization NATO,

with frequent power shut-downs due to the

to maintain stability in the Euro-Atlantic and

lack of ability to import the raw materials

Mediterranean areas; the Organization for

has

utilized

several

hydroelectric

Due to its increasing importance as a

GPoT PB No. 40 | 8

SHEIRA | INCENTIVES TO NORMALIZE

Cooperation and Development OECD, to

Egypt has, time and again, assumed

oversee economic development and determine

the role of being the epicenter of the MENA

sound economic practices; and the Organization

region. With a populace exceeding 90 million, it

of Islamic Conference Organization OIC, to

maintains the status of being an opinion leader,

help promote solidarity and cooperation in

broadly representative of regional trends in arts,

political, economic, cultural, scientific, and social

media, law, education, and theology (Daragahi,

fields among 56 member countries (Ministry of

2011). Cases in point can be made by examining

Defense, 2014).

Egypts involvement with three bodies: first, Cairo

is home to the Headquarters of the Arab League

Egypt

the regional organization comprising 22 Arabic-

Upon former President Morsis removal, then-

speaking countrieswhich serves as a platform

Commander-in-Chief and Minister of Defense

el-Sisi announced a roadmap to help ease the
turbulent democratic transition and undo the
failings of the Islamist-led, Morsi government.9
During this phase, the 2012 Constitution
was entirely rewritten; Chief Justice of the
Supreme Constitutional Court, Adly Mansour,
was appointed as acting president; temporary
policies were issued; an interim government was
instated; and finally, presidential elections were
conducted, bringing el-Sisi to the Presidency.
The governments progress on democratic reform
has been interrupted by the strong prevalence
of instability, fuelled by arbitrary violence and
terrorist activities. Nevertheless, el-Sisi has
vowed to build a system based on socioeconomic

for the increased coordination of foreign policy

and the facilitation of political, economic,
cultural, scientific, and social programs, in the
Member States (UNESCO). Second, despite
Egypts current status of suspension from the
African Union AU, it has contributed positively
to developments in Africa and the formation of
the AU, to achieve collective political, economic,
and social goals (Souare, 2008). Third, Egypt is
the birthplace of Al-Azhar University, the Arab
Worlds most influential Islamic institution,
which aims to support a modern, democratic
state; embrace the fundamental human rights;
and guide theology towards moderate Islamic
thought (State Information Service).

justice, human dignity, and the rule of law

Incentive to normalize

(Abdallah, 2014). Additionally, he announced

Turkey and Egypt are witnessing a new era of

the governments prioritization of fighting

public awareness, keen for political, economic,

institutional corruption in all its forms through

social, and cultural development. Officials on

improved accountability and anti-corruption

both ends have, in response, frequently expressed

policies (Abdallah, 2014).

their political will to march towards achieving

the above-mentioned goals and further their

respective countries stance nationally, regionally,

9 Morsis Islamist government alienated nearly all

segments of Egypt, including Al-Azhar leadership,
the Christian church, the conservative Salafists,
the judiciary, several opposition parties, business
leaders, and the military.

and globally. Considering that Turkey and

Egypt are two key pillars in the BMENA region,
collectively pushing forward democratic reforms

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SHEIRA | INCENTIVES TO NORMALIZE

can influence a series of positive developments

and Egypt will be able to: first, benefit from their

in neighboring and global political systems:

geopolitical influence and exercise their roles as

first, countries of the Arab Spring can follow

regional leaders; second, play a reconciliatory

successful reform examples set by Turkey and

role and contribute to regional diplomacy; third,

Egypt; second, a much-needed regional stability

develop existing counter-terrorism capabilities

can result, thereby enhancing the overall status

to create a regional security umbrella; fourth,

of fundamental human rights in the region; and

strengthen economic cooperation to trigger

third, global interests pertaining to commercial,

social and economic development; and finally,

trade, and energy activities in the Middle East

build efficient ad-hoc international structures

will be more secure.

envisioning long-term regional developmental

and security goals.

Turkey and Egypt are also deeply

integrated in global politics. Accordingly, they

can use their political and economic influence
to build and develop more efficient and reliable
structures that can positively affect the BMENA
region. Before the end of the second World
War, Winston Churchill envisioned a regional
organization, which later became the Council
of Europe CoE. Similarly, the growing

Turkey and Egypt can use their

political and economic influence
to build and develop more
efficient and reliable structures
that can positively affect the
BMENA region.

vacuum left after the Arab Spring revolutions

necessitates

the

establishment

of

ad-hoc

initiatives comparable in capability, competence,

and swiftness to the CoE, NATO, and OECD.
Doing so can have the potential to strengthen
the elements of security, economic development,
democracy, and harmonization across the
member states.

Omar SHEIRA is an associate Project Assistant

at GPoT Center. He is the recipient of a Masters
degree in International and Human Rights Law
from Tilburg University. His research focuses on
the Middle Eastern and North African region,
counter-terrorism and conflict resolution.

IN LIEU OF CONCLUSION
As indicated above, there are multiple strategic
incentives which signal the need to boost diplomatic
relations between Turkey and Egypt. Although
there has been a difference in perception of the
post-Arab Spring developments, it should not
occur at the cost of diplomatic relations. Instead,
both countries should prioritize the importance
of their combined potential and utilize it to
positively impact the region. As a result, Turkey

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SHEIRA | INCENTIVES TO NORMALIZE

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